Polymerization of olefins

ABSTRACT

Olefins such as ethylene and propylene may be polymerized by using as catalysts novel selected transition metal complexes of bis(carboximidamidatonates) in which the carboximidamidatonate groups are connected together through covalent bonds by a bridging group. The resulting polymers are useful as molding and extrusion resins.

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/098,668 (filed Sep. 1, 1998), which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Olefins are polymerized by using as polymerization catalysts certain novel transition metal complexes of selected bis(carboximidamidatonates).

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] The polymerization of olefins such as ethylene, propylene, norbornene and cyclopentene are very important commercial processes. These are most commonly done using polymerization catalyst systems containing certain transition complexes. For instance, the Zielger-Natta-type catalysts and metallocene-type catalysts are some of the more important and well-known catalysts of this type which are used to make billions of kilograms of polyolefins annually. Due to the importance of the polymerization of olefins, new catalyst systems are constantly being sought.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application 10/36,424 shows a formula for a bis(carboximidamidatonate), but neither describes how to make such a compound nor actually does a polymerization with such a compound.

[0005] A. Littke, et al., Organometallics, vol. 17, p. 446-451 (1998); V. Volkis, et al., ibid, p. 3155-3157; J. C. Flores, et al., Organometallics, vol. 14, p. 2106-2108 (1995); P. J. Stewart, et al., ibid, p. 3271-3281; H. W. Roesky, et al., Chem. Ber., vol. 121, p. 1403-1406 (1988); and D. Herskovics-Korine, et al., J. Organometal. Chem., vol. 503, p. 307-314 (1995); report the synthesis and/or use of transition metal complexes of two independent (mono)carboximidamidatonate ligands as polymerization catalysts. However, in none of these references are the two carboximidamidatonates groups joined by a common moiety such as a benzene ring.

[0006] A. Littke, et al., organometallics, vol. 17, p. 446-451 (1998) and S. L. Aelits, et al., ibid, p. 3265-3270, describes the formation of carboximidamidatonates by the reaction of an organometallic compound with a carbodiimide. The use of a bis(alkyl metal salt) to form a bis(carboximidamidatonate) is not described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention concerns a first process for the polymerization of olefins, comprising the step of contacting, at a temperature of about −50° C. to about +250° C.:

[0008] (a) an olefin selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin, a styrene, a cyclopentene, and a norbornene; and

[0009] (b) a first compound of the formula (X)

[0010] wherein:

[0011] R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or silyl;

[0012] R¹⁵ is a divalent organic moiety;

[0013] each X is independently an anion;

[0014] n is an integer equal to the valence of M minus 2; and

[0015] M is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Cr, Sc, Y or a rare earth metal.

[0016] Optionally, the olefin, first compound and a second compound W may be contacted, which second compound W is a neutral Lewis acid capable of abstracting an X⁻ from the first compound to form WX⁻, provided that the anion formed is a weakly coordinating anion, or a cationic Lewis or Bronsted acid whose counterion is a weakly coordinating anion; and provided that when none of X is alkyl, acyl or hydride, said second compound is capable of transferring hydride or alkyl to M.

[0017] This invention also concerns the first compound (X) described above.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention concerns a second process for the polymerization of olefins, comprising the step of contacting, at a temperature of about −50° C. to about +250° C., a transition metal complex of a ligand of the formula

[0019] with an olefin, wherein:

[0020] said olefin is selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin, a styrene, a cyclopentene, and a norbornene;

[0021] said transition metal is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Cr, Sc, Y or a rare earth metal;

[0022] R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or silyl; and

[0023] R¹⁵ is a divalent organic moiety.

[0024] The present invention further concerns an anion which is the ligand of the formula (XI) described above.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the present invention concerns a process for preparing a transition metal complex of a bis(carboximidamidatonate), such as used in the first and second processes described above, comprising the step of reacting a salt of said transition metal with a dialkali metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt of a bis(carboximidamidatonate).

[0026] Still further, the invention concerns a process for the production of a bis(carboximidamidatonate), comprising the step of reacting a bis(alkyl metal salt) with 2 moles of a carbodiimide.

DETAILS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Herein certain terms are used to define certain chemical groups or compounds. These terms are defined below.

[0028] By a carboximidamidatonate group is meant a group of the formula (IX)

[0029]  wherein each R¹³ is independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or silyl. A bis(carboximidamidatonate) has two such groups in the molecule.

[0030] By a bis(alkyl metal salt) is meant a compound which has 2 alkyl carbon atoms which each have a single negative charge and are anions of or associated with one or more metal cations in such a way that the positive charge on the metal cation(s) is balanced by the 2 negative charges on the anion.

[0031] A “hydrocarbyl group” is a univalent group containing only carbon and hydrogen. If not otherwise stated, it is preferred that hydrocarbyl groups herein contain 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

[0032] By “substituted hydrocarbyl” herein is meant a hydrocarbyl group which contains one or more substituent groups which are inert under the process conditions to which the compound containing these groups is subjected. The substituent groups also do not substantially interfere with the process. If not otherwise stated, it is preferred that substituted hydrocarbyl groups herein contain 1 to about 30 carbon atoms. Included in the meaning of “substituted” are heteroaromatic rings. All of the hydrogen atoms in the substituted hydrocarbyl may be substituted for, such as in trifluoromethyl.

[0033] By relatively noncoordinating (or weakly coordinating) anions are meant those anions as are generally referred to in the art in this manner, and the coordinating ability of such anions is known and has been discussed in the literature, see for instance W. Beck., et al., Chem. Rev., vol. 88 p. 1405-1421 (1988), and S. H. Stares, Chem. Rev., vol. 93, p. 927-942 (1993), both of which are hereby included by reference. Among such anions are those formed from aluminum compounds such as those described in the immediately subsequent paragraph and X⁻, including R¹⁹ ₃AlX⁻, R¹⁹ ₂AlClX⁻, R¹⁹AlCl₂X⁻, and R¹⁹AlOX⁻, wherein R¹⁹ is alkyl. Other useful noncoordinating anions include BAF⁻{BAF=tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate}, SbF₆ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, and BF₄ ⁻, trifluoromethanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, (R_(f)SO₂)₂N⁻, and (C₆F₅)₄B⁻.

[0034] By an alkyl aluminum compound is meant a compound in which at least one alkyl group is bound to an aluminum atom. Other groups such as alkoxide, oxygen, and halogen may also be bound to aluminum atoms in the compound.

[0035] By “hydrocarbylene” herein is meant a divalent group containing only carbon and hydrogen. Typical hydrocarbylene groups are —(CH₂)₄—, —CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂CH₂— and

[0036]  If not otherwise stated, it is preferred that hydrocarbylene groups herein contain 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

[0037] By “substituted hydrocarbylene” herein is meant a hydrocarbylene group which contains one or more substituent groups which are inert under the process conditions to which the compound containing these groups is subjected. The substituent groups also do not substantially interfere with the process. If not otherwise stated, it is preferred that substituted hydrocarbylene groups herein contain 1 to about 30 carbon atoms. Included within the meaning of “substituted” are heteroaromatic rings.

[0038] By a styrene herein is meant a compound of the formula

[0039]  wherein R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁶, R²⁹ and R³⁰ are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or a functional group, all of which are inert in the polymerization process. It is preferred that all of R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁶, R²⁹ and R³⁰ are hydrogen.

[0040] By “a norbornene” is meant that the monomer is characterized by containing at least one norbornene-functional group in its structure including norbornadiene as identified by the formulas below, which can be substituted or unsubstituted

[0041]  wherein “a” represents a single or double bond. Representative monomers are compounds (VII) and (VIII) as follows:

[0042]  wherein R⁴⁶, R⁴⁷, R⁴⁸, and R⁴⁹ independently are hydrogen halogen, or hydrocarbyl, provided that, except if the hydrocarbyl group is vinyl, if any of the hydrocarbyl are alkenyl, there is no terminal double bond, i.e., the double bond is internal; or R⁴⁶ and R⁴⁸ taken together can be part of carbocyclic ring (saturated, unsaturated or aromatic); or R⁴⁶ and R47 and/or R⁴⁸ and R⁴⁹ taken together are an alkylidene group. In these structures “z” is 1 to 5. Examples of such norbornenes include norbornadiene, 2-norbornene, 5-methyl-2-norbornene, 5-hexyl-2-norbornene, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, vinylnorbornene, dicyclopentadiene, dihydrodicyclopentadiene, tetracyclododecene, trimers of cyclopentadiene, halogenated norbornenes wherein R⁴⁶, R⁴⁷, R⁴⁸ and R⁴⁹ may also be halogen or fully halogenated alkyl groups such as C_(w)F_(2w+1) wherein w is 1 to 20, such as perfluoromethyl and perfluorodecyl. The halogenated norbornenes can be synthesized via the Diels-Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene an appropriate dieneophile, such as F₃CC≡CCF₃ or R⁴⁹ ₂C═CR⁴⁹C_(w)F_(2w+1) wherein each R⁴⁹ is independently hydrogen or fluorine and w is 1 to 20.

[0043] By “saturated hydrocarbyl” is meant a univalent group containing only carbon and hydrogen which contains no unsaturation, such as olefinic, acetylenic, or aromatic groups. Examples of such groups include alkyl and cycloalkyl. If not otherwise stated, it is preferred that saturated hydrocarbyl groups herein contain 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

[0044] By “neutral Lewis base” is meant a compound, which is not an ion, which can act as a Lewis base. Examples of such compounds include ethers, amines, sulfides, and organic nitriles.

[0045] By “cationic Lewis acid” is meant a cation which can act as a Lewis acid. Examples of such cations are sodium and silver cations.

[0046] By “α-olefin” is meant a compound of the formula CH₂═CHR¹⁴, wherein R¹⁴ is n-alkyl or branched alkyl, preferably n-alkyl.

[0047] By “linear α-olefin” is meant a compound of the formula CH₂═CHR¹⁴, wherein R¹⁴ is n-alkyl. It is preferred that the linear α-olefin have 4 to 40 carbon atoms.

[0048] By an olefinic bond is meant a carbon-carbon double bond, but does not include bonds in aromatic rings.

[0049] By a rare earth metal is meant one of lanthanum, cerium, praeseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium or lutetium.

[0050] By a functional group is meant a group which does not interfere with the stability synthesis of, or functioning of a compound. Suitable functional groups may include (depending on which compound they are in) ether, halo, siloxy, silyl, ester, fluoroalkyl, fluorosulfonyl, and tertiary amino.

[0051] By a divalent organic moiety is meant a divalent group in which the free valences are to two different atoms in the group, and which contains at least one carbon atom. This moiety may contain one or more heteroatoms, preferably nitrogen or silicon. One or both of the free valencies may be to heteroatoms (as opposed to carbon atoms). Preferably both free valencies are to carbon atoms or nitrogen atoms, more preferably to carbon atoms.

[0052] By a silyl group is meant a group of the formula —SiR¹⁶R¹⁷R¹⁸, wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or a functional group.

[0053] The bis(carboximidamidatonates) can generally be made by the following method. A dialkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt is prepared, such as is shown in equation (1), from a suitable dihalogen compound or other suitable precursor. Such reactions to prepare these types of organometallic compounds are known in the art to prepare, for example, dilithium or dimagnesium compounds, see for instance G. Wilkinson, et al., Ed., Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1982; J. Klein, et al., Tetrahedron, vol. 132, p. 51 (1976); and M. F. Lappert, et al., J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun, p. 14 (1982). The dialkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt is then reacted with 2 moles of a carbodiimide to form the corresponding alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of the bis(carboximidamidatonate), as shown in equation (2). The product of equation (2) is then reacted with a salt of an appropriate transition metal to form the transition metal complex of the bis(carboximidamidatonate) which may be used in the polymerization catalyst system. The use of a bis(carboximidamidatonate) (particularly the compound with a nontransition metal, such as an alkali metal or magnesium) to react with the salt of a transition metal is also novel, and preferably takes place in solution at a temperature of about −50° C. to about +100° C. By using appropriate groups or substituents on the various reactants, substituted bis(carboximidamidatonates) with different groups may be formed. Equations (1), (2) and (3) just illustrate one particular method of making these compounds.

[0054] In (X) and (XI) useful groups for R¹⁵ include, for example, —CR¹⁶ ₂(CR¹⁶ ₂)_(q)CR¹⁶ ₂— (XV), wherein each R¹⁶ is independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl and q is 0 or an integer from 1 to 20, especially q is 4. Other useful groups for R¹⁵ include, for example, o-phenylene, 1,2-naphthylene, 2,3-naphthylene, 1,8-naphthylene, 1,2-cyclohexylene,

[0055] wherein R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that either or both of the pairs R⁵ and R₆, and R⁷ and R⁸ taken together may form a ring; and R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or a functional group, provided that any two of R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² vicinal to one another may form a ring. Preferred groups for R¹⁵ are (XII), (XV) wherein q is 2 and/or each R¹⁶ is hydrogen, (XV) in which q is 1, each R¹⁶ on the terminal carbon atoms is hydrogen, and both R¹⁶ groups on the middle carbon atom are methyl [—H₂CC(CH₃)₂CH₂—], and (XII), with (XV) being especially preferred. It is also preferred that R¹⁵ contain at least two carbon atoms, and that each of the free valencies of R¹⁵ are to different carbon atoms.

[0056] In another especially preferred embodiment of (X) and (XI), R¹⁵ is (XII) or (XXIII) and the total compounds [when R¹⁵ is (XII)] are of the formulas

[0057] In (I), (III), (X), (XI), (XII), as appropriate it is preferred that:

[0058] R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently alkyl or silyl, more preferably alkyl containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and/or

[0059] R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are all the same; and/or

[0060] R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen or alkyl, more preferably all are hydrogen; and/or

[0061] R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are all hydrogen; and/or

[0062] one or more of R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl.

[0063] In compounds such as (I) and (X) preferred transition metals are Zr, Ti, V and Hf, and Zr and Ti are more preferred. Preferred metal oxidation states are Ti[II, III, and IV], Zr[II and IV], Hf[IV], V[IV and V], Cr[III], Sc[III], Y[III] and the rare earth metals[III]. When lower oxidation states of the metals are employed, it may beneficial to include an oxidant in the catalyst activation step. This may be an alkyl halide to provide simultaneous alkylation if the compound is not prealkylated, or a standard oxidant such as oxygen when another alkylating agent is used. In compounds in which silyl groups are present it is preferred that R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ are each independently alkyl or aryl, more preferably alkyl, and especially preferably all are methyl.

[0064] Anions X may have one negative charge (monoanion), or more than one negative charge (dianion, etc.). The number of anions, X, which corresponds to n, can be a fractional number or a whole number, depending on the number of residual positive charges on the ligand plus metal cation. For example if the metal valence is 3, and the anion is a dianion (X⁻²), then n would be 0.5. Preferred anions are monoanions. Useful anions include acyl, alkoxide, hydride, halide, carboxylate, alkyl such as methyl, benzyl, neopentyl, neophyl, and trimethylsilylmethyl, and preferred anions are halide, especially chloride and bromide, and alkyl.

[0065] Included within the meaning of a compound of formula (I) are compounds of the formula

[0066] wherein R¹ through R¹², M, X and n are as described above and Z is a monovalent anion. This is simply a representation of (I) in which one of the anions X is not “bound” to the metal cation. Usually Z is a relatively noncoordinationg anion.

[0067] Useful olefins for polymerization include one or more of ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, styrene, norbornene, other α-olefins, cyclopentene and alkyl substituted cyclopentenes. Copolymers, such as copolymers of ethylene and one or more α-olefins may also be made. Preferred olefins are one or more of ethylene, propylene and a linear α-olefin.

[0068] The second compound in the first polymerization process (and also useful in the second polymerization process), W, is a neutral Lewis acid that can abstract X⁻ from (I) or (X) to form WX⁻. Useful Lewis acids for this abstraction include B(C₆F₅)₃, AlCl₃, MgCl₂ and alkyl aluminum compounds such as methyl aluminoxane, diethylaluminum chloride and ethylaluminum chloride. If a hydrocarbyl anion, preferably an alkyl anion, more preferably a methyl anion, or a hydride anion, is not bound to the metal atom of (I), W (or another W) must also transfer a hydrocarbyl (preferably an alkyl) or hydride anion to the metal atom. Essentially the same effect can be obtained by using one molecule of the alkyl aluminum compound to place an alkyl group on the metal, and another molecule to abstract the X anion. Preferred neutral Lewis acids for transferring a hydrocarbyl group to the metal atom are alkyl aluminum compounds. Suitable alkyl aluminum compounds include alkyl aluminum sesquioxides [(R¹⁸AlO)_(n)], especially wherein R¹⁸ is methyl. Alkyl aluminum sesquioxides are preferred alkyl aluminum compounds. W can also constitute a mixture of two compounds, a strong Lewis acid such as B(C₆F₅)₃ and an alkylating agent such as triethylaluminum. A stoichiometric or larger amount of the neutral Lewis acid is preferred, and a more preferred molar ratio of W:(I) is about 1 to about 10,000, preferably about 10 to about 5,000.

[0069] In the first and second polymerization processes herein, the temperature at which the polymerization is carried out is about −50° C. to about +250° C., preferably about −60° C. to about 150° C., more preferably about −20° C. to about 100° C. The pressure of the olefin (if it is a gas) at which the polymerization is carried out is not critical, atmospheric pressure to about 275 MPa being a suitable range.

[0070] The polymerization processes herein may be run in the presence of various liquids, particularly aprotic organic liquids. The catalyst system, olefin, and polymer may be soluble or insoluble in these liquids, but obviously these liquids should not prevent the polymerization from occurring. Suitable liquids include alkanes, cycloalkanes, selected halogenated hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Specific useful solvents include hexane, toluene, benzene methylene chloride, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene.

[0071] The olefin polymerizations herein may also initially be carried out in the solid state by, for instance, supporting the transition metal compound on a substrate such as silica or alumina, activating it with the Lewis (such as W, for instance an alkylaluminum compound) or Bronsted acid and exposing it to the olefin. Alternatively, the support may first be contacted (reacted) with W such as an alkylaluminum compound, and then contacted with an appropriate transition metal compound such as (I) or (X). The support may also be able to take the place of the Lewis or Bronsted acid, for instance an acidic clay such as montmorillonite. Another method of making a supported catalyst is to start a polymerization or at least make a transition metal complex of another olefin or oligomer of an olefin such as cyclopentene on a support such as silica or alumina. These “heterogeneous” catalysts may be used to catalyze polymerization in the gas phase or the liquid phase. By gas phase is meant that a gaseous olefin is transported to contact with the catalyst particle.

[0072] In all of the polymerization processes described herein oligomers and polymers of the various olefins are made. They may range in molecular weight from oligomeric olefins, to lower molecular weight oils and waxes, to higher molecular weight polyolefins. One preferred product is a polymer with a degree of polymerization (DP) of about 10 or more, preferably about 40 or more. By “DP” is meant the average number of repeat (monomer) units in a polymer molecule.

[0073] Depending on its properties, the polymer made by the processes described herein is useful in many ways. For instance if it is a thermoplastic, it may be used as a molding resin, for extrusion, film, etc. If it is elastomeric, it may be used as an elastomer.

[0074] Polyolefins are most often prepared by polymerization processes in which a transition metal containing catalyst system is used. Depending on the process conditions used and the catalyst system chosen, polymers, even those made from the same monomer(s) may have varying properties. Some of the properties which may change are molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, melting point, and glass transition temperature. Except for molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, branching can affect all the other properties mentioned.

[0075] It is known that certain transition metal containing polymerization catalysts including those disclosed herein, are especially useful in varying the branching in polyolefins made with them, see for instance World Patent Applications 96/23010, 97/02298, 98/30609 and 98/30610. It is also known that blends of distinct polymers, that vary for instance in the properties listed above, may have advantageous properties compared to “single” polymers. For instance it is known that polymers with broad or bimodal molecular weight distributions may be melt processed (be shaped) more easily than narrower molecular weight distribution polymers. Similarly, thermoplastics such as crystalline polymers may often be toughened by blending with elastomeric polymers.

[0076] Therefore, methods of producing polymers which inherently produce polymer blends are useful especially if a later separate (and expensive) polymer mixing step can be avoided. However in such polymerizations one should be aware that two different catalysts may interfere with one another, or interact in such a way as to give a single polymer.

[0077] In such a process the catalysts disclosed herein can be termed the first active polymerization catalyst. Monomers useful with these catalysts are those described (and also preferred) above.

[0078] A second active polymerization catalyst (and optionally one or more others) is used in conjunction with the first active polymerization catalyst. The second active polymerization catalyst may be a late transition metal catalyst, for example as described in World Patent Applications 96/23010, 97/02298, 98/27124, 98/30609, 98/30610 and 98/30612. Other types of catalysts may also be used for the second active polymerization catalyst. For instance so called Ziegler-Natta and/or metallocene-type catalysts may also be used. These types of catalysts are well known in the polyolefin field, see for instance Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl., vol. 34, p. 1143-1170 (1995), European Patent Application 416,815 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,401 for information about metallocene-type catalysts, and J. Boor Jr., Ziegler-Natta Catalysts and Polymerizations, Academic Press, New York, 1979 for information about Ziegler-Natta-type catalysts, all of which are hereby included by reference. Many of the useful polymerization conditions for all of these types of catalysts and the first active polymerization catalysts coincide, so conditions for the polymerizations with (I) or (X) are easily accessible. Oftentimes the “co-catalyst” or “activator” is needed for metallocene or Ziegler-Natta-type polymerizations. In many instances the same compound, such as an alkylaluminum compound, may be used as an “activator” for some or all of these various polymerization catalysts.

[0079] In one preferred process described herein the first olefin(s) [the monomer(s) polymerized by the first active polymerization catalyst] and second olefin(s) [the monomer(s) polymerized by the second active polymerization catalyst] are identical, and preferred olefins in such a process are the same as described immediately above. The first and/or second olefins may also be a single olefin or a mixture of olefins to make a copolymer. Again it is preferred that they be identical particularly in a process in which polymerization by the first and second active polymerization catalysts make polymer simultaneously.

[0080] In some processes herein the first active polymerization catalyst may polymerize a monomer that may not be polymerized by said second active polymerization catalyst, and/or vice versa. In that instance two chemically distinct polymers may be produced. In another scenario two monomers would be present, with one polymerization catalyst producing a copolymer, and the other polymerization catalyst producing a homopolymer, or two copolymers may be produced which vary in the molar proportion or repeat units from the various monomers. Other analogous combinations will be evident to the artisan.

[0081] In another variation of this process one of the polymerization catalysts makes an oligomer of an olefin, preferably ethylene, which oligomer has the formula R⁷⁰CH═CH2, wherein R⁷⁰ is n-alkyl, preferably with an even number of carbon atoms. The other polymerization catalyst in the process them (co)polymerizes this olefin, either by itself or preferably with at least one other olefin, preferably ethylene, to form a branched polyolefin. Preparation of the oligomer (which is sometimes called an α-olefin) by a second active polymerization-type of catalyst can be found in World Patent Applications 96/23010 and 98/30612.

[0082] Likewise, conditions for such polymerizations, using catalysts of the second active polymerization type, will also be found in the appropriate above mentioned references.

[0083] Two chemically different active polymerization catalysts are used in this polymerization process. The first active polymerization catalyst is described in detail above. The second active polymerization catalyst may also meet the limitations of the first active polymerization catalyst, but must be chemically distinct. For instance, it may have a different transition metal present, and/or utilize a different type of ligand and/or the same type of ligand which differs in structure between the first and second active polymerization catalysts. In one preferred process, the ligand type and the metal are the same, but the ligands differ in their substituents.

[0084] Included within the definition of two active polymerization catalysts are systems in which a single polymerization catalyst is added together with another ligand, preferably the same type of ligand, which can displace the original ligand coordinated to the metal of the original active polymerization catalyst, to produce in situ two different polymerization catalysts.

[0085] The molar ratio of the first active polymerization catalyst to the second active polymerization catalyst used will depend on the ratio of polymer from each catalyst desired, and the relative rate of polymerization of each catalyst under the process conditions. For instance, if one wanted to prepare a “toughened” thermoplastic polyethylene that contained 80% crystalline polyethylene and 20% rubbery polyethylene, and the rates of polymerization of the two catalysts were equal, then one would use a 4:1 molar ratio of the catalyst that gave crystalline polyethylene to the catalyst that gave rubbery polyethylene. More than two active polymerization catalysts may also be used if the desired product is to contain more than two different types of polymer.

[0086] The polymers made by the first active polymerization catalyst and the second active polymerization catalyst may be made in sequence, i.e., a polymerization with one (either first or second) of the catalysts followed by a polymerization with the other catalyst, as by using two polymerization vessels in series. However it is preferred to carry out the polymerization using the first and second active polymerization catalysts in the same vessel(s), i.e., simultaneously. This is possible because in most instances the first and second active polymerization catalysts are compatible with each other, and they produce their distinctive polymers in the other catalyst's presence Any of the processes applicable to the individual catalysts may be used in this polymerization process with 2 or more catalysts, i.e., gas phase, liquid phase, continuous, etc.

[0087] The polymers produced by this process may vary in molecular weight and/or molecular weight distribution and/or melting point and/or level of crystallinity, and/or glass transition temperature and/or other factors. For copolymers the polymers may differ in ratios of comonomers if the different polymerization catalysts polymerize the monomers present at different relative rates. The polymers produced are useful as molding and extrusion resins and in films as for packaging. They may have advantages such as improved melt processing, toughness and improved low temperature properties.

[0088] Hydrogen may be used to lower the molecular weight of polyolefin produced in the first or second processes. It is preferred that the amount of hydrogen present be about 0.01 to about 50 mole percent of the olefin present, preferably about 1 to about 20 mole percent. When liquid monomers (olefins) are present, one may need to experiment briefly to find the relative amounts of liquid monomers and hydrogen (as a gas). If both the hydrogen and monomer(s) are gaseous, their relative concentrations may be regulated by their partial pressures.

[0089] In the Examples, the following abbreviations are used:

[0090] ΔH_(f) - heat of fusion (of polymer)

[0091] Cy - cyclohexyl

[0092] GPC - Gel Permeation Chromatography

[0093] MI - melt index

[0094] Mn - number average molecular weight

[0095] Mw - weight average molecular weight

[0096] PE - polyethylene

[0097] PMAO - poly(methylaluminoxane)

[0098] PMAO-IP - see PMAO

[0099] PP - polypropylene

[0100] Pr - propyl

[0101] RT - room temperature

[0102] THF - tetrahydrofuran

[0103] In the Examples, all pressures are gauge pressures.

[0104] “Me/1000 CH₂” is the total number of methyl groups per 1000 methylene groups in the polymer and is measured by ¹H NMR. For method of NMR measurement and calculations, see World Patent Application 96/23010.

[0105] Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to measure polymer melting points (Tm in ° C., taken as the peak of the melting endotherm), and heat of fusion (ΔH_(f) in J/g), using a heating rate of 10° C./min. Results reported are from the second heat.

[0106] The dimagnesium reagents were prepared according to the procedure of M. F. Lappert and T. R. Martin, J. Chem. Soc. Dalton Trans. 1982, 1959. Excess magnesium metal was reacted with dichloro or dibromohydrocarbon compounds in THF at RT to yield a high yield of the dimagnesium reagents which were then reacted with 1 equiv of the carbodiimide in THF at RT for 2-3 days. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude products were washed with pentane to give a white powder product.

EXAMPLE 1

[0107] Synthesis of [MgCl]₂[(i-PrN)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]

[0108] In a dry-box, to a solution of [MgCl]₂[CH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂] (0.0164 mol) in THF at −30° C. was added dropwise a solution of 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide (4.139 g, 0.0327 mol) in THF. The pale yellow reaction mixture was stirred 2 days. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the white sticky crude product was washed with pentane to give a white powder product (5.1558 g, 0.0108 mol) in 66% yield.

[0109]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.31 (m, 24H, CH₃), 3.1 (s, 4H, CH₂), 3.58 (m, 4H, i-Pr—CH), 7.22 (m, 2H, Ar—H), 7.58 (m, 2H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 2

[0110] Synthesis of [MgCl]2[(NC₆H₁₁)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NC₆H₁₁)₂]

[0111] In a dry-box, to a solution of [MgCl]₂[CH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂] (0.0169 mol) in THF at −30° C. was added dropwise a solution of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (6.971 g, 0.0338 mol) in THF. The pale yellow reaction mixture was stirred 3 days. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the white sticky crude product was washed with pentane to give a white powder product (7.698 g, 0.0121 mol) in 72% yield.

[0112]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): broad, 1.0-1.8 (m, 20H, Cy—CH₂), 3.0 (m, 4H, Cy—CH), 3.69 (br, 2H, CH₂), 3.78 (br, 2H, CH₂), 7.2 (m, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 3

[0113] Synthesis of [MgBr]₂[(i-PrN)₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]

[0114] The general procedure was followed using 11.25 mmol of [MgBr]₂[CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂] and 2.8395 g (22.5 mmol) of 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide. A white powder product (6.3672 g, 8.72 mmol) was isolated in 78% yield.

[0115]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.08 (d, 24H, CH₃), 1.57 (br, 4H, CH₂), 1.90 (m, THF coordinated CH₂), 2.29 (br, 4H, CH₂), 3.54 (br, 4H, CH), 3.80 (m, THF coordinated OCH₂).

EXAMPLE 4

[0116] Synthesis of [MgBr]₂[(ArN)₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C(NAr)₂]: [Ar=2,6-(i-Pr)₂C₆H₃]

[0117] The general procedure was followed using 15.6 mmol of [MgBr]₂[CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂] and 11.3354 g (31.2 mmol) of 1,3-bis[2,6-diisopropylphenyl]carbodiimide. A white powder product (15.9027 g, 12.1 mmol) was isolated in 78% yield.

[0118]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 0.35 (br, 4H, CH₂), 0.86 (d, 24H, CH₃), 0.96 (d, 24H, CH₃), 1.19 (br, 4H, CH₂), 1.70 (m, THF coordinated CH₂), 3.08 (br, 8H, CH), 3.70 (m, THF coordinated OCH₂), 6.83 (m, 12H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 5

[0119] Synthesis of [MgCl]₂[(ArN)₂CCH₂ (C₆H₄)-m-CH₂C(NAr)₂]: [Ar=2,6-(i-Pr)₂C₆H₃]

[0120] The general procedure was followed using 37.0 mmol of [MgCl]₂[CH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂] and 26.8294 g (74.0 mmol) of 1,3-bis[2,6-diisopropylphenyl]carbodiimide. A pale yellow powder product (36.34 g, 28.26 mmol) was isolated in 76% yield.

[0121]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 0.35 (br, 4H, CH₂), 0.86 (d, 24H, CH₃), 0.96 (d, 24H, CH₃), 1.19 (br, 4H, CH₂), 1.70 (m, THF coordinated CH₂), 3.08 (br, 8H, CH), 3.70 (m, THF coordinated OCH₂), 6.83 (m, 12H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 6

[0122] Synthesis of [MgCl]₂[(i-PrN)₂CCH₂(C₆H₄)-m-CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]

[0123] The general procedure was followed using 14.7 mmol of [MgCl]₂[CH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂] and 3.7021 g (29.34 mmol) of 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide. A white powder product (4.675 g, 7.37 mmol) was isolated in 50% yield.

[0124]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 0.79 (d, 24H, CH₃), 1.73 (m, 4H, THF coordinated CH₂), 3.2 (m, 4H, CH), 3.48 (s, 4H, CH₂), 3.82 (m, 4H, THF coordinated OCH₂), 6.85 (m, 2H, Ar—H), 6.96 (m, 2H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 7

[0125] Synthesis of [MgBr]₂[(ArN)₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C(NAr)₂]: [Ar=4-Me—C₆H₄

[0126] The general procedure was followed using 9.42 mmol of [MgBr]₂[CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂] and 4.19 g (18.85 mmol) of 1,3-bis[4-methylphenyl]carbodiimide. A white powder product (7.4264 g, 7.57 mmol) was isolated in 80% yield.

[0127]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.20 (br, 2×CH₂ and THF overlap), 2.21 (s, 12H, CH₃), 2.32 (br, 4H, CH₂), 3.70 (br, THF coordinated OCH₂), 6.65 - 7.22 (m, 16H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 8

[0128] Synthesis of [MgCl]₂[(ArN)₂CCH₂(C₆H₄)-m-CH₂C(NAr)₂]: [Ar=4-Me—C₆H₄]

[0129] The general procedure was followed using 9.17 mmol of [MgCl]₂[CH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂] and 4.077 g (18.34 mmol) of 1,3-bis[4-methylphenyl]carbodiimide. A pale yellow powder product (7.0 g, 7.16 mmol) was isolated in 78% yield.

[0130]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.28 (br, THF-CH₂), 2.22 (s, 12H, CH₃), 3.70 (br, THF coordinated OCH₂), 4.05 (s, 4H, CH₂), 6.65-7.15 (m, 16H, Ar—H).

[0131] General Procedure for Synthesis of Transition Metal Complexes of Bis-(carboximidatonate)

[0132] A flask containing a suspension of metal halide in pentane or methylene chloride or toluene was cooled at −30° C. in the dry-box freezer. To this was added dropwise a pre-cooled solution of bis-(carboximidatonate) dimagnesium reagent in CH₂Cl₂. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT and filtered through a frit with dry Celite. The solvent was removed under vacuo and the residue was extracted with methylene chloride. Removed methylene chloride and washed with pentane and then dried in vacuo to give the early-transition metal complexes. The formulas below list the catalysts synthesized in these examples.

EXAMPLE 9

[0133] Synthesis of [(i-PrN)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]TiCl₂: 1

[0134] In a dry-box, a solution of [MgCl]₂[(i-PrN)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NPr-i)₂] (1.299 mmol) in toluene (14 mL) and THF (1 mL) was added dropwise to a precooled solution of TiCl₄ (0.2464 g, 1.299 mmol) in toluene at −30° C. The purple reaction mixture was stirred 2 days and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was extracted with methylene chloride. After removal of the solvent, a dark purple powder was obtained, 0.5215 g (1.097 mmol) in 84% yield.

[0135]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): contain different isomers. 1.06-1.30 (br., m, 24H, CH₃), 2.62-2.96 (s, 4H, CH₂), 3.26-3.72 (m, 4H, i-Pr—CH), 6.86-7.30 (br., m, 4H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 10

[0136] Synthesis of [(i-PrN)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]ZrCl₂: 2

[0137] In a dry-box, a solution of [MgCl]₂[(i-PrN)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NPr-i)₂] (0.7716 mmol) in toluene (14 mL) and THF (1 mL) was dropwise added a precooled suspension of ZrCl₄ (0.1798 g, 0.7716 mmol) in toluene at −30° C. The cloudy pale yellow reaction mixture was stirred 2 days and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was extracted with methylene chloride. After removal of the solvent, a pale yellow powder was obtained, 0.1963 g (0.378 mmol) in 49% yield.

[0138]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): contain different isomers. 0.96-1.35 (br., m, 24H, CH₃), 2.62-3.04 (s, 4H, CH₂), 3.18-3.78 (m, 4H, i-Pr—CH), 6.80-7.40 (br., m, 4H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 11

[0139] Synthesis of [(i-PrN)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]HfCl₂: 3

[0140] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.3943 g (0.835 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2673 g (0.835 mmol) of HfCl₄ and methylene chloride as solvent. A pale yellow solid (0.3002 g, 0.495 mmol) was obtained in 59% yield. ¹H NMR spectrum in CD₂Cl₂ is complex and similar to the Zr analog compound.

EXAMPLE 12

[0141] Synthesis of [(NC₆H₁₁)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NC₆H₁₁)₂]TiCl₂: 4

[0142] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.7168 g (1.126 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2137 g (1.126 mmol) of TiCl₄. A purple solid (0.4335 g, 0.682 mmol) was obtained in 61% yield. The ¹H NMR spectrum in CD₂Cl₂ is complex.

EXAMPLE 13

[0143] Synthesis of [(NC₆H₁₁)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NC₆H₁₁)₂]ZrCl₂: 5

[0144] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.6267 g (0.9848 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2295 g (0.9848 mmol) of ZrCl₄. A pale yellow solid (0.2817 g, 0.415 mmol) was obtained in 42% yield. The ¹H NMR spectrum in CD₂Cl₂ is complex.

EXAMPLE 14

[0145] Synthesis of [(NC₆H₁₁)₂CCH₂C₆H₄-o-CH₂C(NC₆H₁₁)₂]HfCl₂: 6

[0146] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.4603 g (0.723 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2317 g (0.723 mmol) of ZrCl₄. A pale yellow solid (0.4742 g, 0.619 mmol) was obtained in 86% yield. The ¹H NMR spectrum in CD₂Cl₂ is complex and similar to the Zr analog compound.

EXAMPLE 15

[0147] Synthesis of [(i-PrN)₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]TiCl₂: 7

[0148] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.8054 g (1.104 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2094 g (1.104 mmol) of TiCl₄. A dark red solid (0.6485 g, 0.906 mmol) was obtained in 82% yield. The ¹H NMR spectrum in CD₂Cl₂ is complex and similar to the Zr analog compound.

EXAMPLE 16

[0149] Synthesis of [(i-PrN)₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]ZrCl₂: 8

[0150] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.7443 g (1.02 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2377 g (1.02 mmol) of ZrCl₄. A pale yellow solid (0.5660 g, 0.735 mmol) was obtained in 72% yield.

[0151]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂) 1.25 (br., m, 24H, CH₃), 1.58 (s, 4H, CH₂), 1.87 (m, 4H, THF-CH₂), 2.38 (s, 4H, CH₂), 3.60 (m, 4H, i-Pr—CH), 3.94 (m, 4H, OCH₂).

EXAMPLE 17

[0152] Synthesis of [(i-PrN)₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C(NPr-i)₂]HfCl₂: 9

[0153] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.4647 g (0.6369 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2040 g (0.6369 mmol) of HfCl₄. A pale yellow solid (0.15 g, 0.269 mmol) was obtained in 42% yield.

[0154]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂) 1.21 (br., m, 24H, CH₃), 1.60 (s, 4H, CH₂), 1.92 (m, 4H, THF-CH₂), 2.40 (s, 4H, CH₂), 3.78 (m, 4H, i-Pr—CH), 4.0 (m, 4H, OCH₂).

EXAMPLE 18

[0155] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}TiCl₂: 10

[0156] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 2.6268 g (2.0 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.3792 g (2.0 mmol) of TiCl₄. A red solid (2.1 g, 2.0 mmol) was obtained in ˜100% yield.

[0157]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 0.75-1.35 (m, overlap peaks, 56H, CH₂ and CH₃), 1.80 (m, THF coordinated CH₂), 2.92 (br, 2H, CH), 2.98 (br, 4H, CH), 3.14 (br, 2H, CH), 3.88 (m, THF coordinated OCH₂), 6.75-7.30 (m, 12H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 19

[0158] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}ZrCl₂: 11

[0159] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 2.7864 g (2.12 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.4941 g (2.12 mmol) of ZrCl₄. An off-white solid (1.45 g, 1.54 mmol) was obtained in 73% yield.

[0160]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.08 (d, 12H, CH₃), 1.15 (d, 12H, CH₃), 1.33 (d, 12H, CH₃), 1.40 (d, 12H, CH₃), 1.25 (br, 4H, CH₂), 1.92 (br, 4H, CH₂), 1.92 (m, THF coordinated CH₂), 2.75 (br, 4H, CH), 3.04 (br, 4H, CH), 3.94 (m, THF coordinated OCH₂), 6.90-7.68 (m, 12H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 20

[0161] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}HfCl₂: 12

[0162] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 2.3058 g (1.75 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.5620 g (1.75 mmol) of HfCl₄. An off-white solid (1.60 g, 1.55 mmol) was obtained in 89% yield.

[0163]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 0.32 (br, 4H, CH₂), 0.84 (d, 24H, CH₃), 0.98 (d, ,24H, CH₃), 1.82 (m, THF coordinated CH₂), 1.92 (br, 4H, CH₂), 2.88 (br, 4H, CH), 3.08 (br, 4H, CH), 3.88 (m, THF coordinated OCH₂), 6.72-7.20 (m, 12H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 21

[0164] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}VCl: 13

[0165] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.3910 g (0.3 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.0468 g (0.3 mmol) of VCl₃. A purple solid which is not soluble in any organic solvents was received.

EXAMPLE 22

[0166] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}YCl: 14

[0167] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.5633 g (0.43 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.0837 g (0.43 mmol) of YCl₃. An off-white solid (0.4 g, 0.41 mmol) was obtained in 94% yield. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): complex.

EXAMPLE 23

[0168] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}CrCl: 15

[0169] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 0.2939 g (0.22 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.0838 g (0.22 mmol) of CrCl₃.3THF. A pale green solid was obtained.

[0170]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.08 (d, 12H, CH₃), 1.28 (d, 12H, CH₃), 1.50 (m, 24H, CH₃), 2.15 (br, 4H, CH₂), 2.22 (br, 4H, CH₂), 3.36 (m, 4H, CH), 3.46 (br, 4H, CH), 6.92-7.45 (m, 12H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 24

[0171] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}TiCl₂: 16

[0172] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 1.5927 g (1.239 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2350 g (1.24 mmol) of TiCl₄. A red brown solid (1.18 g, 1.2 mmol) was obtained in 97% yield. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): complex and contained different isomers.

EXAMPLE 25

[0173] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}ZrCl₂: 17

[0174] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 1.3342 g (1.038 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.2418 g (1.038 mmol) of ZrCl₄. A pale yellow solid (1.05 g, 1.1 mmol) was obtained in ˜100% yield. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): complex and contained different isomers.

EXAMPLE 26

[0175] Synthesis of {[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂CCH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂C[N(2,6-i-Pr₂-C₆H₃)]₂}HfCl₂: 18

[0176] The general procedure for metal complexes was followed using 1.4227 g (1.106 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent and 0.3544 g (1.106 mmol) of HfCl₄. A pale yellow solid (0.9741 g) was obtained. The pale yellow solid was extracted with pentane. The pentane solution was concentrated and cooled in the freezer to yield colorless crystals which was identified as neutral ligand (identified by x-ray crystal structure). It is believed that trace of HCl contaminated in HfCl₄ reacted with the dimagnesium reagent to form the neutral ligand as a low-level byproduct.

EXAMPLE 27

[0177] Synthesis of [N(i-Pr)]₂CCH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂C[N(i-Pr)]₂}TiCl₂: 19

[0178] At −30° C. in the dry-box, to a solution of 0.2805 g (0.84 mmol) of TiCl₄(THF)₂ in 30 mL of toluene, was slowly added a solution 0.84 mmol of the dimagnesium reagent in 20 mL of toluene. The dark red reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT and filtered through a Celite® plug frit. After removing the solvent and rinsing with pentane, a dark red solid was obtained, 0.21 g, 0.44 mmol in 53% yield.

[0179]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.4 (br, 24H, CH₃), 3.92 (br, 8H, CH₂ and CH—Pr-i), 7.12-7.4 (m, 4H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 28

[0180] Synthesis of [N(i-Pr)]₂CCH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂C[N(i-Pr)]₂)ZrCl₂: 20

[0181] At −30° C., in a dry-box, to a solution of 0.3169 g (0.84 mmol) of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in 30 mL of toluene was slowly added a solution of 0.84 mmol of the dimagnesium reagent in 20 mL of toluene. The cloudy reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT and filtered through a Celite plug frit. After removing the solvent and rinsing with pentane, a pale yellow solid was obtained, 0.34 g, 0.65 mmol in 78% yield.

[0182]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.42 (br, 24H, CH₃), 3.88 (br, 4H, CH—Pr-i), 4.05 (s, 4H, CH₂), 7.25-7.54 (m, 4H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 29

[0183] Synthesis of {[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂}TiCl₂: 21

[0184] At −30° C., in a dry-box to a solution of 0.1564 g (0.47 mmol) of TiCl₄(THF)₂ in 30 mL of toluene, was slowly added a solution of 0.47 mmol of the dimagnesium reagent in 20 mL of toluene. The red reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT and filtered through a Celite® plug frit. After removing the solvent and rinsing with pentane, a red solid was obtained, 0.33 g, 0.53 mmol in ˜100% yield.

[0185]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): contains toluene and coordinate THF. 0.53 (br, 4H, CH₂), 1.58 (s, 4H, CH₂), 1.72 (br, THF-CH₂), 2.18 (br, 12H, CH₃), 3.78 (br, THF-OCH₂), 6.31-7.12 (m, 16H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 30

[0186] {[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂C[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂}ZrCl₂: 22

[0187] At −30° C., in the dry-box, to a solution of 0.3791 g (1.63 mmol) of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in 30 mL of toluene, was slowly added a solution of 1.63 mmol of the dimagnesium reagent in 20 mL of toluene. The pale yellow cloudy reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT and filtered through a Celite plug frit. After removing the solvent and rinsing with pentane, a pale yellow solid was obtained, 1.06 g, 1.60 mmol in 98% yield.

[0188]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 0.60 (br, 4H, CH₂), 0.98 (br, 4H, CH₂), 1.36 (br, THF-CH₂), 2.20 (br, 12H, CH₃), 3.80 (br, THF-OCH₂), 6.08-6.95 (br, 16H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 31

[0189] Synthesis of {[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂CCH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂C[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂}TiCl₂: 23

[0190] At −30° C., in the dry-box, to a solution of 0.1534 g (0.46 mmol) of TiCl₄(THF)₂ in 30 mL of toluene, was slowly added a solution of 0.4491 g (0.46 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent in 20 mL of toluene. The red reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT and filtered through a Celite plug frit. After removing the solvent and rinsing with pentane, a dark red solid was obtained, 0.30 g, 0.45 mmol in 98% yield.

[0191]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): contains toluene. 1.96 (br, 12H, CH₃), 3.15 (br, 4H, CH₂), 6.64-7.00 (m, 20H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE 32

[0192] Synthesis of {[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂CCH₂C₆H₄-m-CH₂C[N(4-Me-C₆H₄)]₂}ZrCl₂: 24

[0193] At −30° C., in the dry-box, to a solution of 0.2417 g (1.037 mmol) of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in 30 mL of toluene, was slowly added a solution of 1.014 g (1.037 mmol) of the dimagnesium reagent in 20 mL of toluene. The pale yellow cloudy reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT and filtered through a Celite plug frit. After removing the solvent and rinsing with pentane, a pale yellow solid was obtained, 0.6 g, 0.84 mmol in 81% yield.

[0194]¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): contains toluene. 1.7 (br, THF-CH₂), 2.15 (br, 12H, CH₃), 3.70 (br, THF-OCH₂), 3.88 (br, 4H, CH₂), 6.24-7.00 (m, 20H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLES 33-45 Polymerization of Ethylene at About 35 kPa

[0195] Method A:

[0196] In a dry-box, 0.02 mmol of the bis(carboximidatonate) transition metal catalyst was placed in a Schlenk flask and 35 mL of toluene was added to dissolve or partially dissolve the catalyst. The flask was sealed, removed from the dry-box and attached to an ethylene Schlenk line. After pumping off the air and nitrogen and purging with ethylene, 4.649 mL (20 mmol) of PMAO was quickly added to the flask under about 35 kPa ethylene. After being stirred at RT overnight, the reaction mixture was quenched with 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly and then dried in vacuo overnight.

[0197] Method B:

[0198] In the dry-box, 0.02 mmol of the bis(carboximidatonate) transition metal catalyst was placed in a Schlenk flask containing 35 mL of toluene and 4.649 mL (20 mmol) of PMAO. The flask was sealed, removed from the dry-box and attached to an ethylene Schlenk line. After pumping off the air and nitrogen and purging with ethylene, the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at RT under about 35 kPa ethylene and then, quenched with 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly and then dried in vacuo overnight.

[0199] The polymers formed were linear high density PE, very high molecular weight and it was difficult get a GPC measurement. All the melt index tests showed no flow. The detailed data are listed in Table 1. TABLE 1 Polymerization of Ethylene at 35 kPa Productivity (mol T_(m) ΔH_(f) Me/ Example Method Catalyst PE (g) PE/mol complex) (° C.) (J/g) 1000 CH₂ 33 A  1 3.0086 4512 132.5  128.5 1.5 34 A  2 1.1464 1547 134.65 121.9 7.7 35 A  3 0.0664  103 135.09 196.8 36 A  4 4.6791 7417 132.27 148.7 37 A  5 1.0688 1797 134.45 151.8 38 A  6 0.0575  101 133.51 181.7 39 B  7 3.4416 6026 134.7  109.5 40^(a) B 10 1.6214 5594 134.97 169.4 41 B 11 1.5633 5975 134.78 174.8 42 B 16 4.8137 5.42 × 10⁴ 134.63 175.7 43^(b) B 16 12.002 1.35 × 10⁵ 134.94 150.2 44 B 19 0.3683 4458 134.49 173.4 45 B 20 3.1324 2.41 × 10⁴ 134.81 165.7

EXAMPLES 46-65 Polymerization of Ethylene at 6.9 MPa

[0200] In a dry-box, 0.002-0.01 mmol of the catalyst was placed in a glass vial and dissolved in 5 mL of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. The vial was cooled to −30° C. in the drybox freezer. PMAO was added to the vial on top of the frozen solution and the vial was then capped and sealed. Outside the drybox, the vials were placed into a shaker tube which was then shaken mechanically under high pressure ethylene for about 18 h. The white polymer was cut to pieces and added to a 100 mL of methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The mixture was stirred overnight and filtered. The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with acetone and dried in vacuo.

[0201] The polymers formed were linear (for example: Me/1000CH₂ for example 47 is 3.5) high density PE, very high molecular weight and it was difficult to get GPC measurements. All the melt index tests showed no flow. The detailed data are listed in Table 2. TABLE 2 Polymerization of Ethylene at High Pressure C₂H₄ Productivity (Mol PE/ Ex- Mol Pressure ample Catalyst PE (g) complex.) (MPa) T_(m)(° C.) ΔH_(f)(J/g) 46 1 9.3695 2.84 × 10⁴ 6.9 133.92 133.5 47 2 20.2679 6.35 × 10⁴ 6.9 137.01 164.5 48 3 2.1268 7293 3.5 137.48 160.8 49 5 5.46 1.74 × 10⁴ 3.5 136.04 146.2 50 6 3.6012 1.31 × 10⁴ 3.5 138.87 99.57 51 7 2.6388 9553 3.5 133.35 134.9 52 8 5.6004 2.02 × 10⁴ 3.5 135.86 204.5 53 9 10.3810 3.45 × 10⁴ 3.5 135.88 160.6 54 10 12.1552 3.71 × 10⁴ 3.5 131.69 147.6 55 11 8.9461 3.27 × 10⁴ 3.5 136.3 142.7 56 12 3.3109 1.13 × 10⁴ 3.5 137.25 124.5 57 14 0.0 0.0 3.5 58 15 10.0044 3.44 × 10⁴ 3.5 134.86 158.1 59 16 2.298 3.38 × 10⁴ 3.5 135.97 118.9 60 17 5.6168 2.36 × 10⁴ 3.5 134.5 160.4 61 18 0.9013 5502 3.5 135.69 147.7 62 21 13.2227 3.65 × 10⁴ 1.4 132.76 171.9 63 23 7.7944 2.23 × 10⁴ 1.4 131.82 190.3 64 4 1.1221 3795 1.4 131.22 79.62 65 5 1.6998 5486 1.4 135.45 146.2

[0202] The detailed data of polymerization with catalyst 10 under mixture of H₂ and C₂H₄ are listed in Table 3. TABLE 3 Polymerization of Ethylene under H₂/C₂H₄ Total H₂ Pressure Pressure PE Productivity (mol T_(m) ΔH_(f) Example (kPa) (MPa) (g) PE/mol compound (° C.) (J/g) MI 66  0 1.03 8.584 2.12 × 10⁵ 135.96 165.5 no flow 67  69 1.03 6.104 8.62 × 10⁴ 134.66 176.4 no flow 68 290 1.03 6.347 7.83 × 10⁴ 134.62 176.6 no flow 69^(a) 610 1.03 9.774 1.31 × 10⁵ 132.96 184.0 no flow 70^(a) 960 1.03 6.816 9.94 × 10⁴ 133.12 193.4 no flow

EXAMPLES 71-78 Copolymerization of 1-Hexene and Ethylene

[0203] In a dry-box, 0.02 mmol of the catalyst and 30 mL of 1,2,4-trichlorobezene or toluene were placed in a 100 mL Schlenk flask. The flask was cooled in a freezer in the dry-box and the 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene or toluene was frozen or cooled after 20 min. Then, 5 mL of 1-hexene and cocatalyst PMAO-IP were added to the flask. The flask was sealed, removed from the dry-box and attached to an ethylene Schlenk line. After pumping off the air and nitrogen and purging with ethylene, the reaction mixture was stirred 1 h or overnight depend on the rate of the polymer formation under 5 psi ethylene. The reaction was quenched with 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly, and then dried in vacuo overnight.

[0204] Most of the polymerizations produced high molecular weight rubbery polymer with high molecular weight and broad molecular weight distribution. The detailed data are listed in Table 4. TABLE 4 Copolymerization of Ethylene and 1-Hexene Tm Example Catalyst PE (g) (° C.) ΔHf (J/g) Me/1000 CH₂ Mw (Mw/Mn) MI 71^(a) 1 4.3914 123.29 51.73 32.8 — 0.03 72^(a) 2 1.0443 130.18 162.3 26.2 — no flow 73^(a) 4 3.6378 122.99 34.9 71.3 240000 (17) 0.6 74^(a) 5 0.893  128.33 135.3 10.2 195000 (multi — modal) 75^(b) 7 1.7465 119.85 46.19 52.9 557000 (6) 0.075 76^(b) 11  0.4675 129.56 114.8 56.7 — 77^(b) 10  3.2786 124.15 4.436 62.5  69546 (17) no flow 78^(c) 20  3.7811 128.75 134.1 13.2 — no flow

EXAMPLES 79-81 Copolymerization of 4-Methyl-1-Pentene and Ethylene

[0205] In a dry-box, 5 mL of 4-methyl-1-pentene, PMAO-IP, and 30 mL toluene were placed in a 100 mL Schlenk flask and stirred 5 min. Then, 0.02 mmol of the catalyst were added to the flask. The flask was sealed, removed from the dry-box and attached to an ethylene Schlenk line. After pumping off the air and nitrogen and purging with ethylene, the reaction mixture was stirred 1 h or overnight depend on the rate of the polymer formation under 35 kPa ethylene. The reaction was quenched with 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly and then dried in vacuo overnight.

[0206] Most of the polymerizations produced high molecular weight rubbery polymer and wide molecular weight distribution (for Example 60, Mw=149517 and Mw/Mn=63). The detailed data are listed in Table 5. TABLE 5 Copolymerization of Ethylene and 4-Methyl-1-pentene Me/1000 Example Catalyst PE (g) T_(m) (° C.) ΔH_(f)(J/g) CH₂ MI 79 11 0.5236 127.09 152.6 62.9 — 80 16 4.8118 120.75 39.55 127 33 81 20 3.6868 128.67 138.8 22.2 no flow

EXAMPLES 82-90 Polymerization of Ethylene with Mixed Catalysts

[0207]

[0208] In a dry-box, 2 mmol PMAO-IP was added to 40 mL toluene and stirred 5 min. A toluene solution of 0.002-0.004 mmol of the amidinate catalyst 16 and tridentate Fe catalyst (in the above equation, which is believed to produce α-olefin in situ) were added to the flask. The flask was sealed, removed from the dry-box and attached to a Schlenk line which could be filled with ethylene. After pumping off the air and nitrogen and purging with ethylene, the reaction mixture was stirred ˜3 h. under 35 kPa ethylene. The reaction was quenched with 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly and then dried in vacuo overnight.

[0209] The polyethylene formed was high in molecular weight, but Tm are decreased compare to the polymer produced from single amidinate catalysts. The detailed data are listed in Table 6. TABLE 6 Polymerization of Ethylene by Mixed Catalysts Catalyst Productivity ratio (mol PE/mol Tm ΔH_(f) Me/1000 Example (Ti:Fe) PE (g) complex) (° C.) (J/g) CH₂ MI 82 1 11.7452 4.70 × 10⁴ 85.15 166.7 23.8 17 (4.6652) (1.87 × 10⁴) 122.25 18.3 83^(b) 1 11.5747 5.37 × 10⁴ 87.44 199.8 26 flow out (4.0383) (1.87 × 10⁴) 119.03 15.9 84 30 3.555 1.06 × 10⁵ 126.47 147.1 10.37 no flow 85 15.2 3.1158 8.21 × 10⁴ 72.19 141.16 30 2.6 121.65 23.64 86 8 3.1737 8.38 × 10⁴ 124.12 170.2 12.2 no flow 87^(c) 9.8 0.3713 8825 78.45 22.84 17.9 — 114.28 117.14 125.82 30.52 88^(c) 3.65 1.9637 1.41 × 10⁴ 77.91 86.54 6.59 0.73 119.67 95.03 89^(d) 21 16.054 2.35 × 10⁵ 118.9 141.1 7.05 no flow 90^(d) 7.78 18.253 3.25 × 10⁵ 123.64 147.5 23.7 no flow

EXAMPLES 91 -94 Polymerization of 1-Hexene

[0210] In a dry-box, 0.02 mmol of the catalyst and 7.66 mL of 1,2,4-trichlorobezene were placed in a 20 mL glass vial. Three mL of 1-hexene was added to the vial. Then, 2.34 mL (10 mmol) of PMAO was quickly added to the vial. After being stirred at RT 48 h, the reaction mixture was taken out from the dry-box and slowly poured to a beaker containing 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The colorless waxy polymer was separated from the methanol solution, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly and then dried in vacuo overnight. TABLE 7 Polymerization of 1-Hexene Productivity Example Catalyst Polymer (g) (mol PH/mol complex) M_(w)(M_(w)/M_(n)) 91 1 0.2001 118 92 2 0.2803 165 50900 (47) 93 4 0.3356 305  2130 (15) 94 5 0.0838  57

EXAMPLE 95-97 Polymerization of Propylene

[0211] In a dry-box, 0.01 mmol of the catalyst was placed in a 50 mL Schlenk flask with threaded joints and 20 mL of toluene was added to dissolve or partially dissolve the catalyst. The flask was sealed, removed from the dry-box and attached to an propylene line. After purging with nitrogen and propylene, 2.33 mL (10 mmol) of PMAO was quickly added to the flask under about 35 kPa propylene. After being stirred at RT 48 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly and then dried in vacuo overnight. TABLE 8 Polymerization of propylene Productivity (mol Example Catalyst Polymer (g) PP/mol complex) M_(w)(M_(w)/M_(n)) 95 1 0.2184 503 180000 (multi modal) 96 2 0.2344 366 260000 (multi modal) 97 5 0.0931 188 188000 (multi modal)

EXAMPLES 98-99 Polymerization of Norbornene

[0212] In a dry-box, to a 20 mL glass vial containing 2.26 g (0.04 mol) of norbornene and 3 mL of toluene, was added 2.34 mL (10 mmol) PMAO. The mixture was stirred 5 min and then 4.66 mL of a toluene suspension of the catalyst (0.02 mmol) was added. After being stirred at RT 24 h, the reaction mixture was taken out from the dry-box and slowly poured to a beaker containing 50 mL of a methanol solution of concentrated HCl (10% volume). The polymer was collected on a frit, washed with methanol and acetone thoroughly and then dried in vacuo overnight. TABLE 9 Polymerization of norbornene Polymer (g) Productivity (mol Example Catalyst (Conversion %) PN/mol complex) M_(w)(M_(w)/M_(n)) 98 1 0.4325 (19.1) 333  96500 (multi modal) 99 2 0.5072 (22.4) 227 133000 (multi modal)

EXAMPLE 100

[0213] Preparation of Azobenzene-Bridged Bis-guanidinate Ligand and Zirconium Complex

[0214] Azobenzene (2.73 g, 15 mmol) was dissolved in THF (30 mL) under nitrogen in a dry-box. Lithium metal (0.36 g, 50 mmol) was added to the solution. The orange changed to green before turning to orange-brown. After three h stirring, the solution was added slowly to a solution of bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (5.59 g, 30 mmol) causing a slight lightening of the solution color. Stirring was continued for 30 min.

[0215] The resulting solution was added slowly to a THF (30 mL) solution of ZrCl₄ (3.5 g, 15 mmol). There was a slight darkening to dark beige. The THF was removed under vacuum and the solid was extracted with methylene chloride. Filtration through filter aid gave a yellow-gray solution which was taken to dryness. The solid was then suspended in ether, filtered and dried under vacuum. Yield: 1.7 g

[0216] The ether solution was stripped to dryness yielding a very small quantity of a white solid which crystallized like an organic. The ¹H NMR indicated the presence of phenyl and trimethylsilyl resonances in a 1:1 ratio with no other signals. The solid was taken up in ether and placed in the dry-box freezer where it crystallized. X-ray analysis demonstrated that it was 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)hydrazine.

EXAMPLE 101

[0217] Polymerization With an Azobenzene-Bridged Bis-guanidinate Zirconium Complex

[0218] In toluene (35 mL), catalyst (0.0122 g, 0.02 mmol) with 2.22 mL of MMAO (10 mmol) at RT and 1 atm ethylene overnight yielded 1.51 g of HDPE polyethylene.

EXAMPLE 102

[0219] Preparation of Azobenzene-Bridged Bis-guanidinate Ligand and Titanium Complex

[0220] Azobenzene (2.73 g, 15 mmol) was dissolved in THF (30 mL) under nitrogen in a dry-box. Lithium metal (0.36 g, 50 mmol) was added to the solution. The orange changed to green before turning to orange-brown. After three h stirring, the solution was added slowly to a solution of bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (5.59 g, 30 mmol) causing a slight lightening of the solution color. Stirring was continued for 30 min.

[0221] The resulting solution was reacted with a THF (30 mL) solution of TiCl₄.2THF (3.5 g, 15 mmol). There was a rapid darkening to red-brown. The THF was removed under vacuum and the solid was extracted repeatedly with methylene chloride. Filtration through filter aid gave a deep red-brown solution which was taken to dryness. Yield: 1.23 g. Washing with ether yielded a trace material having the same NMR as observed for diphenyl-bis-trimethylsilylhydrazine as noticed in the zirconium reaction.

EXAMPLE 103

[0222] Polymerization With an Azobenzene-Bridged Bis-guanidinate Titanium Complex

[0223] In toluene (35 mL), 0.02 mmol of catalyst with 2.22 mL of MMAO (10 mmol) at RT and 1 atm ethylene overnight yielded 0.38 g of polyethylene. In trichlorobenzene, 0.0050 g of catalyst with 3 mL of MMAO at 50° C. and 1.38 MPa ethylene yielded 4.112 g of polyethylene, which was “No flow” MI and had 10.8 Me/1000CH₂.

EXAMPLE 104

[0224] Preparation of butadiene-bridged bis-amidinate ligand and titanium complex

[0225] Magnesium butadiene (15 mmol) is prepared according to the method of Yasuda (J. Organomet. Chem., 113, 201 (1976). The resulting solution is added slowly to a solution of bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (5.59 g, 30 mmol). Stirring is continued for 30 min.

[0226] The resulting solution is reacted with a THF (30 mL) solution of TiCl₄.2THF (3.5 g, 15 mmol). The THF is removed under vacuum and the solid is extracted repeatedly with methylene chloride. Filtration through filter aid gives a deep red-brown solution which is taken to dryness yielding a powder.

EXAMPLE 105

[0227] Polymerization With a Butadiene-Bridged Bis-amidinate Titanium Complex

[0228] In toluene (35 mL), 0.02 mmol of catalyst is reacted with 2.22 mL of MMAO (10 mmol) at RT and pressurized with 1 atm ethylene. The resulting polymerization yields high density polyethylene. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for the polymerization of olefins, comprising the step of contacting, at a temperature of about −50° C. to about +250° C.: (a) an olefin selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin, a styrene, a cyclopentene, and a norbornene; and (b) a first compound of the formula (X)

 wherein: R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or silyl; R¹⁵ is a divalent organic moiety; each X is independently an anion; n is an integer equal to the valence of M minus 2; and M is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Cr, Sc, Y or a rare earth metal.
 2. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein the olefin, first compound and a second compound W are contacted, wherein the second compound W is a neutral Lewis acid capable of abstracting an X⁻ from the first compound to form WX⁻, provided that the anion formed is a weakly coordinating anion, or a cationic Lewis or Bronsted acid whose counterion is a weakly coordinating anion; and provided that when none of X is alkyl, acyl or hydride, said second compound is capable of transferring hydride or alkyl to M.
 3. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein R¹⁵ is

or —CR¹⁶ ₂(CR¹⁶ ₂)_(q)CR¹⁶ ₂—  (XV), wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that either or both of the pairs R⁵ and R⁶, and R⁷ and R⁸ taken together may form a ring; R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or a functional group, provided that any two of R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² vicinal to one another may form a ring; each R¹⁶ is hydrogen; and q is
 4. 4. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently alkyl or silyl.
 5. The process as recited in claim 4 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are all the same.
 6. The process as recited in claim 3 wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently alkyl or hydrogen; and R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are all hydrogen.
 7. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein said olefin is an α-olefin.
 8. The process as recited in claim 7 wherein said α-olefin is ethylene.
 9. The process as recited in claim 8 wherein a catalyst which oligomerizes ethylene to an α-olefin is also present.
 10. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein R¹⁵ contains one or more nitrogen or silicon atoms.
 11. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein M is Zr or Ti.
 12. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein the first compound is supported on a substrate.
 13. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein the olefin and first compound are contacted in the presence of another active olefin polymerization catalyst.
 14. The process as recited in claim 13 wherein the another active olefin polymerization catalyst comprises a late transition metal catalyst, a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and/or a metallocene-type catalyst.
 15. A process for the polymerization of olefins, comprising the step of contacting, at a temperature of about −50° C. to about +250° C., a transition metal complex of a ligand of the formula

with an olefin, wherein: said olefin is selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin, a styrene, a cyclopentene, and a norbornene; said transition metal is Ti, Zr, Hf. V, Cr, Sc, Y or a rare earth metal; R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or silyl; and R¹⁵ is a divalent organic moiety.
 16. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein R¹⁵ is

or —CR¹⁶ ₂(CR¹⁶ ₂)_(q)CR¹⁶ ₂—  (XV), wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that either or both of the pairs R⁵ and R⁶, and R⁷ and R⁸ taken together may form a ring; R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or a functional group, provided that any two of R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² vicinal to one another may form a ring; each R¹⁶ is hydrogen; and q is
 4. 17. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently alkyl or silyl.
 18. The process as recited in claim 17 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are all the same.
 19. The process as recited in claim 16 wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independ ently alkyl or hydrogen; and R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are all hydrogen.
 20. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein said olefin is an α-olefin.
 21. The process as recited in claim 20 wherein the α-olefin is ethylene.
 22. The process as recited in claim 21 wherein a catalyst which oligomerizes ethylene to an α-olefin is also present.
 23. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein R¹⁵ contains one or more nitrogen or silicon atoms.
 24. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein M is Zr or Ti.
 25. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein the first compound is supported on a substrate.
 26. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein the olefin and transition metal complex are contacted in the presence of another active olefin polymerization catalyst.
 27. The process as recited in claim 26 wherein the another active olefin polymerization catalyst comprises a late transition metal catalyst, a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and/or a metallocene-type catalyst.
 28. An anion of the formula

wherein: R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or silyl; and R¹⁵ is a divalent organic moiety.
 29. The anion as recited in claim 28 wherein R¹⁵ is

wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that either or both of the pairs R⁵ and R⁶, and R⁷ and R⁸ taken together may form a ring; R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or a functional group, provided that any two of R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² vicinal to one another may form a ring; each R¹⁶ is hydrogen; and q is
 4. 30. The anion as recited in claim 29 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently alkyl or silyl.
 31. The anion as recited in claim 30 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are all the same.
 32. The anion as recited in claim 29 wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently alkyl or hydrogen; and R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are all hydrogen.
 33. The anion as recited in claim 29 wherein R¹⁵ contains one or more silicon or nitrogen atoms.
 34. A compound of the formula:

wherein: R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or silyl; R¹⁵ is a divalent organic moiety; each X is independently an anion; n is an integer equal to the valence of M minus 2; and M is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Cr, Sc, Y or a rare earth metal.
 35. The compound as recited in claim 34 wherein R¹⁵ is

or —CR¹⁶ ₂(CR¹⁶ ₂)_(q)CR¹⁶ ₂—  (XV), wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that either or both of the pairs R⁵ and R⁶, and R⁷ and R⁸ taken together may form a ring; R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or a functional group, provided that any two of R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² vicinal to one another may form a ring; each R¹⁶ is hydrogen; and q is
 4. 36. The compound as recited in claim 35 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently alkyl or silyl.
 37. The compound as recited in claim 36 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are all the same.
 38. The compound as recited in claim 35 wherein: R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently alkyl or hydrogen; and R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² are all hydrogen.
 39. The compound as recited in claim 34 wherein M is Ti or Zr.
 40. A process for the production of a bis(carboximidamidatonate), comprising the step of reacting a bis(alkyl metal salt) with 2 moles of a carbodiimide.
 41. The process as recited in claim 40 wherein said metal is magnesium.
 42. A process for preparing a transition metal complex of a bis(carboximidamidatonate), comprising, reacting a salt of said transition metal with a dialkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt of a bis(carboximidamidatonate).
 43. The process as recited in claim 42 wherein said dialkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt of a bis(carboximidamidatonate) is a magnesium salt.
 44. The process as recited in claim 42 wherein said transition metal is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Cr, Sc, Y or a rare earth metal.
 45. The process as recited in claim 44 wherein said transition metal is Ti or Zr. 